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About Us
Our mission is to help dogs and their humans understand each other
About Casa Monarca Dog Training
At Casa Monarca Dog Training, we believe every dog deserves a chance to thrive, and every owner deserves to enjoy life with their canine companion. Founded by Shanti Panza, our Charlotte-based training company takes a holistic, individualized approach to help dogs and their humans build stronger, happier relationships.
Meet Our Team
Shanti Panza Owner/ Head Trainer
As the owner of Casa Monarca K9, I lead with a holistic, relationship-based approach that prioritizes the well-being of the whole dog. With 10 years of experience, I have worked with a large variety of cases from therapy dogs to aggression. Every training plan and decision is guided by integrity, education, and a commitment to doing what is best for the dog.
Lynne Bell Behavior Evaluator
With over 35 years of professional experience, our behavior evaluator brings an extensive background spanning from working with North American Timber Wolves, police K9 training, bite sports, and ownership of her own successful dog training company. Her evaluations are guided by sharp assessment skills, real-world experience, and a dog-first approach that helps set dogs and their families up for long-term success.
Francisco Pepin Trainer Assistant
Francisco brings a creative and fresh approach to dog training. He is committed to continuing education and skill development through academic course work. As a bilingual Spanish-speaker, he plays a key role in supporting our Spanish-speaking clients and ensuring clear communication throughout their training journey.
Our Story
Shanti’s journey into professional dog training began in high school when she volunteered at a local shelter, teaching basic manners to make dogs more adoptable. While pursuing her college degree, she immersed herself in the world of behavioral rehabilitation, fostering dogs in Philadelphia that others wouldn’t work with. Her turning point came when she successfully rehabilitated a dog scheduled for euthanasia – a moment that crystallized her mission: no dog should lose their life over a fixable behavioral issue.
After years of hands-on experience and witnessing too many trainers take shortcuts or misuse tools without creating real behavioral change, Shanti founded Casa Monarca Dog Training. Her goal was simple yet profound: create a training company that honors each dog’s individuality while providing owners with genuine, lasting solutions.
“I believe we are all put on this earth with a special talent,” Shanti explains. “My mission in life is to help dogs and their humans understand each other and better their lives.”
Our Expertise
With extensive experience spanning competitive dog sports, conformation showing, and behavioral rehabilitation, Shanti brings a unique depth of knowledge to every case. As an official American Kennel Club evaluator and instructor of S.T.A.R. Puppy classes, she works with everything from eight-week-old puppies taking their first steps in training to complex behavioral cases requiring intensive intervention.
Our specialties include:
- Puppy foundation and socialization
- Reactivity and overstimulation (our most requested service in Charlotte)
- Aggression rehabilitation
- Working and high-drive breeds
- First-time owner education
- Impulse control and manners training
Whether you have a new puppy who needs the right foundation, a rescue dog working through past trauma, or a beloved family pet struggling with reactivity on walks, we approach each case as unique. We’ve worked with breeds ranging from tiny Japanese Chins to powerful Dogo Argentinos, understanding that each dog requires an individualized training plan.
Who We Serve Best
Our ideal clients are committed dog owners ready to be active participants in their dog’s transformation. We work best with those who understand that lasting behavioral change requires consistency, dedication, and a willingness to grow alongside their dog. While we can create remarkable transformations, the real magic happens when owners embrace their role in maintaining and building upon the foundation we establish together.
If you’re frustrated by conflicting online advice, tired of training methods that only suppress symptoms without addressing root causes, or simply want to give your dog the best possible start in life, Casa Monarca is here to help. We believe in looking at every case holistically – much like a good doctor wouldn’t just guess at treatment, we take time to investigate, understand, and develop the best approach for your specific dog, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Charlotte is an incredibly dog-friendly city, and we want you to be able to enjoy every brewery patio, walking trail, and outdoor adventure with your four-legged companion by your side. Let us help you make that vision a reality.
GET STARTED TODAY!
Don’t let behavioral challenges keep you from enjoying Charlotte’s dog-friendly lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with reactivity, starting fresh with a puppy, or simply want a calmer, happier companion, we’re here to help. Contact Casa Monarca Dog Training today and let’s create a custom training plan that works for you and your dog.